MChem Chemistry (with a year abroad)
About this course
MChem (Hons) Chemistry (with a year abroad) is a chemistry degree that focuses on core chemical principles, laboratory practice, and advanced scientific research methods. Core topics include Programming, Research Methods, and Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning. This four-year programme includes an assessed year studying abroad at an international partner institution and holds accreditation from the Royal Society of Chemistry. The first year builds fundamental knowledge through compulsory modules such as Foundations of Chemistry 1, Foundations of Chemistry 2, Introductory Skills and Practical 1, and Foundations of Chemistry 3, establishing essential laboratory competence. The second year advances scientific understanding via compulsory modules including Advanced Chemistry Concepts and Applications 1, Advanced Chemistry Concepts and Applications 2, and Advanced Skills and Practical 1, alongside optional choices like Green and Sustainable Chemistry or Programming and Machine Learning for Chemistry. Third-year studies feature compulsory coursework in Frontiers of Chemistry 1, Advanced Topics and Practical, and Frontiers of Chemistry 2, supplemented by optional studies covering Chemistry and Disease and atmospheric topics. The final fourth year centres entirely on independent investigation and scholarly communication through compulsory modules comprising Advanced Research Project (Abroad), Research Communication, and Professional Research Development.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: AAB including A in Chemistry plus one other science/mathematics AAA including A in Chemistry We accept the following science/mathematics subjects: Biology, Electronics, Environmental Science, Geology, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics and Psychology. IB: 35 points including grade 6 in Chemistry at Higher Level and 5 in another science/mathematics at Higher Level, or 36 points including grade 6 in Chemistry at Higher Level BTEC: DDD We consider BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science (2016 syllabus) with all 7 mandatory units plus all 5 Chemistry units: 10,13,14,18, and 19. We consider BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science (2010 syllabus), please contact us for information on the units we accept.
See the highest paying Physics & Chemistry degrees in the UK →
What students say
Based on about 12 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 92%
- Learning opportunities: 93%
- Assessment and feedback: 83%
- Academic support: 97%
- Organisation and management: 87%
- Learning resources: 91%
- Student voice: 87%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 25 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 8 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 75%
- Working and studying: 5%
- Further study: 15%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 20%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 20%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Sales occupations: 10%
- Natural and social science professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 25%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 25%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 180 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 3%
- North West: 12%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 31%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 3%
- East of England: 17%
- London: 12%
- South East: 15%
- South West: 4%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 35 students who started
- A levels: 100%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry for fully meeting the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem).
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Foundations of Chemistry 1
- Foundations of Chemistry 2
- Introductory Skills and Practical 1
- Foundations of Chemistry 3
- Foundations of Chemistry 4
- Introductory Skills and Practical 2
- Advanced Chemistry Concepts and Applications 1
- Advanced Chemistry Concepts and Applications 2
- Advanced Skills and Practical 1
- Advanced Chemistry Concepts and Applications 3
- Advanced Skills and Practical 2
- The Material World: Chemistry and Applications
- Genes to Proteins
- Green and Sustainable Chemistry
- Programming and Machine Learning for Chemistry
- Frontiers of Chemistry 1
- Advanced Topics and Practical
- Frontiers of Chemistry 2
- Frontiers of Chemistry 3
- Reaction Intermediates and Mechanisms
- Chemistry and Disease
- Atmospheric Chemistry, Climate Change and Net Zero
- Miniproject with Advanced Analysis: Analytical approaches for complex mixtures in the natural world
- Miniproject with Chemistry - Biology Interface
- Miniproject with Sustainable Advanced Synthesis
- Advanced Research Project (Abroad)
- Research Communication
- Professional Research Development
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MChem Chemistry (with a year abroad) at University of York earn?
The median salary is £29,000 after 15 months, £28,500 after 3 years, £34,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £30,000 and £43,000. The £34,000 median after five years is the same as the UK median for Chemistry.
What do graduates of MChem Chemistry (with a year abroad) at University of York do next?
95% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MChem Chemistry (with a year abroad) at University of York?
92% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MChem Chemistry (with a year abroad) at University of York?
The typical offer is AAB at A level, or 35 points in the IB. The average entrant had 154 UCAS points.
Is MChem Chemistry (with a year abroad) at University of York accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry for fully meeting the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem).
Does MChem Chemistry (with a year abroad) at University of York include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and a compulsory year abroad.
How many students continue on MChem Chemistry (with a year abroad) at University of York?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.